It is a game of intelligence Kaizer Chiefs Thabo Cele on facing Mamelodi Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has endured a season marred by injuries but is now fully recovered and eager to contribute significantly.

He discussed with the clubs media team the upcoming challenge on Wednesday and strategies to counter Sundowns numerous dangers.

A win against Mamelodi Sundowns would likely clinch third position and a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup for the following season...

Thabo Cele: The season has been tough for us but we have kept pushing as a unit and aiming for outcomes that position us well.

This upcoming match offers a great chance since we face the log leaders. It is an ideal moment to grab three points and boost our spirits heading into the remaining fixtures. We have three matches to go after this one and they will be crucial if we aim to return to African competitions.

Personally you have dealt with injuries this season. How challenging has that been?

As a player you aim for specific benchmarks and quality but when obstacles arise you must stay composed and persist with your efforts. That is exactly what I focused on.

Returning now to support the squad in these final outings is a goal I pursued during my absence from so many matches. Maintaining mental readiness for a return is key. Football involves highs and lows and you must strive to recover. I have been committed to that process and continue to be.

The side was performing solidly before the recent loss to Siwelele. What do you believe caused the issues in that encounter?

In our previous outing we played at too rapid a pace. We struggled to retain possession as intended. Against opponents who maintain high intensity and possess speedy athletes it turns into a frantic back and forth which is precisely what occurred.

An early concession complicates matters. We committed several avoidable errors lost the ball easily and were duly penalised.

Then you must rally but it proves difficult as you pursue the scoreline without composure. Desiring to level things yet failing to connect passes for genuine opportunities. I reckon that summed up the difficulties last time.

Next up is Mamelodi Sundowns. What sort of test do they present?

Encountering Sundowns proves enjoyable as they excel in tactics and skill. Their approach demands patience turning it into a battle of wits. I relish such contests.

They seek dominance in possession to generate openings and evade counters. For us on the road we will seek moments to exploit on the break but once in their territory we aim to hold the ball too.

That element fuels their victories so denying it to them gives us an edge. It shapes up as a fascinating clash for our group.

This term we have faltered in key fixtures notably in Africa with the Confederation Cup the Nedbank Cup and the initial Soweto Derby versus Pirates. These are the contests you crave success in so this presents a prime chance.

Sundowns boast plenty of potent talents. How vital is handling their risks?

Sundowns feature numerous elite performers who represent Bafana Bafana internationally and their nations. They possess a strong roster and setup but so do we with capable athletes.

We have simply lacked fortune in pivotal phases. This moment carries huge weight and we intend to seize it. It boils down to a contest of smarts.

Sundowns remain driven in pursuit of yet another league crown. Does that elevate the stakes further?

Reviewing late records Sundowns have ruled the league by securing silverware. They yearn to repeat that especially with our foes Orlando Pirates mounting a challenge.

From our standpoint given our trajectory we advance incrementally. South African football finds itself in an exciting phase currently.

Undoubtedly Sundowns aim to reclaim the title but perhaps we might disrupt their plans. We pursue our path too and these are the matches worth triumphing in.